Walker River Paiute Tribe (2018)

Walker River Paiute Tribe

Climate Adaptation Plan

Prepared by: Marlene Begay

2/8/18

Resolution No. WR- 22- 2018

Table of Contents

Dedication to Our Children ................................................................................................................ 2

Summary .................................................................................................................................................. 3

Section 1 – Introduction, Purpose and Goals............................................................................... 4

Purpose ................................................................................................................................................................. 5

Goals....................................................................................................................................................................... 6

Section 2 - Climate Change Drivers and Potential Impacts .................................................... 7

Climate Change Drivers................................................................................................................................... 7

Why is the climate changing? .................................................................................................................................... 8

Climate Change Impacts: What to expect in the future.................................................................... 10

Section 3 - Climate Adaptation Plan ............................................................................................. 14

CULTURE AND TRADITIONAL FOODS ..................................................................................................... 14

Anticipated climate impacts and vulnerability................................................................................................ 14

Traditional Foods......................................................................................................................................................... 14

Management and Implementation ....................................................................................................................... 15

HEALTH AND PUBLIC SAFETY.................................................................................................................... 16

Anticipated climate impacts and vulnerability................................................................................................ 16

Monitoring ...................................................................................................................................................................... 16

Management and Implementation ....................................................................................................................... 17

TRIBAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND ENERGY .............................................................................................. 18

Anticipated climate impacts and vulnerability................................................................................................ 18

Management and Implementation ....................................................................................................................... 18

AGRICULTURE AND IRRIGATION .............................................................................................................. 20

Anticipated climate impacts and vulnerability................................................................................................ 20

Management and Implementation ....................................................................................................................... 20

RANGELANDS ................................................................................................................................................... 22

Anticipated climate impacts and vulnerability................................................................................................ 22

Management and Implementation ....................................................................................................................... 22

WALKER RIVER AND WETLANDS ............................................................................................................. 24

Anticipated climate impacts and vulnerability................................................................................................ 24

Management and Implementation ....................................................................................................................... 25

Section 4: Planning Summary ........................................................................................................ 26

Potential Actions Table ................................................................................................................................ 27

Water Resources .......................................................................................................................................................... 27

Human Health - Heat .................................................................................................................................................. 30

Human Health – Food Security............................................................................................................................... 32

Emergency Management .......................................................................................................................................... 33

Appendix: Key Terms........................................................................................................................ 35

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Dedication to Our Children

The Agai Dicutta Numu (Trout Eater People) otherwise known as the Walker River Paiute Tribe

are a strong and resilient people. We have lived on the lands in western Nevada for countless

generations. The Numu were made by the Creator and came from Kurunga, also known as Mt.

Grant, the great mountain located next to Agai Pah (Walker Lake).

The Creator made all things - the earth, water, foods, medicine, trees, and plants. He made the

animals and gave them their place here. All things natural upon the Earth are our relatives because

the Creator made them, and a little piece of him is in all, as well as in each of us. From this we

give thanks.

It is this belief, prayer, and in following our sacred ceremonies that a close relationship was created

with these things, and they tell us when things are not right. Our people have noticed the great

changes happening to the earth.

This Climate Adaption Plan is dedicated to you – our children – and to your children and all

generations to follow. We hope this knowledge will help our people understand what it means to

be subject to climate change. Using this knowledge we must begin preparations to sustain our

culture and natural resources.

For many generations, you will be challenged with a changing climate. In the past two years we

have seen you - the young people - called to action to protect the earth and its resources. “Water

is Life” is the message and the message is finally being heard.

Within our children we will always see hope, and know we will continue to flourish on our

homelands for countless generations to come.

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Summary

This document is an acknowledgement that climate change is real and that it poses a threat to our

children, grandchildren, our culture and our way of life. This document represents the first effort

by our department to identify (1) important resources and cultural components most likely to be

impacted by climate change, (2) work we are currently undertaking that will help to reduce climate

change impacts, (3) recommendations for specific vulnerability assessments and (4) risks to our

most important interests and adaptation actions we should implement now. Our work will never

be complete but will be a continuing cycle for many generations. All climate change issues require

innovation and increased resources.

This Plan has four sections:

1. Introduction, Purpose and Goals: Brief overview of our history, document purpose, and

goals.

2. Climate Change Drivers and Potential Impacts: Provides a technical backdrop of

climate change and expected regional impacts. We expect temperatures to increase and

snow pack to diminish. We have observed that many of these changes are already being

realized.

3. Climate Adaptation Plan: primary focus on reservation outlining concerns and potential

impacts on six general areas: a) Culture and Traditional Foods b) Health and Public Safety,

c) Tribal Infrastructure and Energy d) Agriculture and Irrigation e) Rangelands and f)

Walker River and Wetlands. Major issues are excessive and increasing heat in the summer

and differences in the seasonal cycles. We need planning for emergency management,

infrastructure and health systems. Most important is the management and availability of

water for cultural, domestic and agricultural use. This plan provides a broad view of the

landscape including water, rangelands, wildlife, vegetation along with traditional uses and

impacts.

4. Planning Summary: A summary and table of potential climate adaptation actions.

The Walker River Paiute Tribe Water Resources Department has been working on a climate

change adaptation plan for the Walker River Paiute Tribe since 2013. This report summarizes the

research completed, to October 2017, on 1) possible future climate changes, 2) climate change

impacts, and 3) potential adaptation strategies for the Tribe. This is an on-going project. For

additional information about this report, or the climate change adaptation planning process, please

contact:

Marlene Begay, Climate Change Coordinator, Water Resources Department, Walker River Paiute

Tribe marleneb@wrpt.org 775-773-2002

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Section 1 – Introduction, Purpose and Goals

The Walker River Paiute Tribal people are the Numu, meaning “People”. The Walker River

Paiutes live on a 330,000 acre reservation in western Nevada. We are located 100 miles south of

Reno, Nevada in the high desert. The elevation is 4,120 ft. and the annual average rainfall is less

than 5 inches per year. The original reservation included all of Walker Lake but the lake was taken

away from the Tribe in 1906 under the allotment act.

Figure 1: Walker River Paiute Tribe location map

The Numu concept of the universe can be summed up in one word, nanumudooe. This word means

all of my relations. All of my relations encompass everything that the Creator has made upon the

mother earth and in the universe. All things natural upon mother earth are our relatives because

the Creator has made it.

Our world is a still pond. Human beings are the ones tossing stones into that still pond and creating

the ripples that spread out and affect all living things. The human greed and quest for material

wealth is throwing off the natural balance of our world and our Mother earth cannot heal or adapt

quickly enough to rectify the damage and destruction we are causing. We have ceased to live in

balance and harmony with all around us. In failing to respect our mother and all of our relations,

we fail to respect ourselves. Our ancestors’ spirits live on and guide us. Now is the time for us to

listen to the cultural practices and knowledge passed down from generation to generation.

Climate Change is real and we are witness to the changes. Our pine nuts must be gathered sooner.

Walker Lake, once rich with Lahontan cutthroat trout, can no longer sustain fish due to the salinity

and lack of fresh water. Decreasing snowpack and lack of water has caused our river to run dry,

and turned our wetlands turned into a desert. Extended drought and increased heat depletes the

little surface water we have left. Noxious weeds are taking over the river corridor. More intense

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wind storms bring up dust causing health problems. Where there was once abundant

water and resources we have seen a significant decrease. We have already lost one of the main

resources of our culture, the trout in Walker Lake. Our Tribe is the Agai Dicutta (Trout Eaters).

The loss of the trout affects our very cultural identity. This loss may be irreversible.

Purpose: The purpose of this document is to begin the conversation about climate change

and planning for adaptation for the Walker River Paiute Reservation. It is derived from the

experience of our people and our tribal programs. This document is one way we can educate

ourselves about current vulnerabilities and future risks and share ideas about actions that we may

need to take to build climate resilience.

This document is an important step for the Walker River Paiute Tribe. It is a step in helping us

prepare for an uncertain future where a rapidly changing climate will disrupt traditional cycles and

ways of living. We cannot know and anticipate all changes at this time, but we can prepare. We

must look ahead and blend our traditional and cultural knowledge with new ideas and technologies

to sustain and enhance our community in the face of climate change. This document represents

the beginning of a continued and meaningful conversation between tribal leadership, tribal

programs, and tribal members. Our people must consider these questions:

1. How is climate change affecting our lives, environment and culture?

2. How will climate change affect future generations?

3. What can the Walker River Paiute Tribe do to prepare for and adapt to these changes?

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Goals

Our work must be guided by clearly stated and achievable goals. Our goals, listed below, call on

all tribal members and tribal leadership to educate themselves and to act. Our future is dependent

on the symbiotic relationship with the water and land of our reservation. For our people to be

healthy, our water and lands must be healthy.

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The Tribe will develop and implement strategies for long-term resource utilization, habitat

protection, and resources restoration in order to increase climate resilience.

The Tribe will protect existing surface water rights and advocate for enforcement of those

water rights in the context of a changing climate.

The Tribe will protect, preserve, and enhance sources of fresh water, including

groundwater, to meet the current and future needs of the reservation for:

o Domestic

o Agricultural

o Economic

o Homeland needs

The Tribe will prepare for extreme weather events by planning in the areas of:

o Land Use

o Housing

o Health

o Emergency Management.

The Tribe will be prepared for impacts on culturally significant plant and animal species

on the reservation and advocate with federal agencies for the protection and restoration of

these species located off the reservation.

The Tribe will continue to develop and build renewable energy capacity, both for local use

and commercial potential.

Tribal members will be educated on the present and future effects of climate change on our

homeland and will continue to be engaged in our progress to adapt to these new challenges.

Tribal Youth and Elders will be involved in cultural education, and learn how to help the

Tribe adapt to climate change impacts.

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Section 2 - Climate Change Drivers and Potential Impacts

Climate Change Drivers: Global average temperatures are rising. Temperatures may not rise

everywhere and every year in exactly the same amount but, overall, the world is warming. Figure

2 shows some of the changes climate scientists and other researchers have observed that indicate

the earth’s climate is changing. The white arrows indicate increasing trends, such as rising

temperatures and sea levels. The black arrows indicate decreasing trends, such as the amount of

snow in northern and mountain regions and the amount of ice covering the oceans in the Arctic

and Antarctic.

Figure 2: Ten Indicators of a Warming World. (Source: http://nca2014.globalchange.gov/report/our-changingclimate /observed-change#tab2-images).

The melting of the Arctic ice is impacting the jet stream so that storms are more unpredictable.

Figure 3 is a map of the United States (U.S.) that shows temperature changes from 1991 to 2012

compared to the average temperatures from 1901 to 1960. The darker the red color, the greater the

difference between 1901–1960 and 1991–2012. These areas have experienced more warming.

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Figure 3: Observed U.S. Temperature Change 1991–2012. (Source: http://nca2014.globalchange.gov/report/ourchanging-climate/recent-us-temperature-trends#tab2-images).

When a naturally low precipitation year occurs in a warmer climate, greater drought impacts may

be observed. This means that even without changes in precipitation, increasing temperatures could

mean more drought because higher temperatures produce higher evaporation and

evapotranspiration rates for surface water and plants.

Why is the climate changing?

Most of the sun’s energy passes through the earth’s atmosphere while some is reflected back out

to outer space (Figure 4). As the sun’s energy warms the earth’s surface, heat is radiated back

towards outer space. Greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere, including carbon dioxide,

methane, and nitrous oxide, trap some of the heat. It is similar to a hot and cloudy summer night

in which the cloud cover traps heat and does not allow the earth’s surface to cool down. As more

GHGs are produced by human activities, more of the heat is trapped in the atmosphere. The

increased heat increases the global temperature, which in turn affects climate.

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Figure 4: The Greenhouse Effect. (Source www.climatechange.gc.ca).

The rising global temperature can be attributed to the impacts of GHGs by comparing the amount

of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to changes in temperatures. In Figure 5, the blue bars represent

years with an average temperature below the long-term global average of 57°F and the red bars

are years in which the temperature was above average. The black line traces the amount of carbon

dioxide in the atmosphere (in parts per million or ppm). As the black line rises, global average

temperatures follow. The year-to-year variations in temperature are due to natural processes such

as the effects of El Niño and La Niña events and volcanic eruptions.

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Figure 5: Global Temperature and Carbon Dioxide. (Source: http://nca2014.globalchange.gov/report/ourchanging-climate/observed-change#tab2-images).

Although there is a correlation between temperature and amount of carbon dioxide, climate

scientists have been unable to conduct experiments to confirm that the GHGs are causing global

warming. Since scientists cannot experiment with the real world, they developed

mathematical computer models of the earth’s systems to simulate what happens when GHGs

are increased or reduced. Figure 8 illustrates the results of an experiment with this type of

model. The scientists compared natural warming factors such as solar radiation and

volcanic eruptions with the temperatures observed since 1895. They found that the natural

warming factors (the green shaded area) do not match up with the observed temperatures.

When human generated GHG emissions were added to the natural processes (the blue shaded

area), the scientists found the GHG emissions and natural processes matched very well with the

observed temperatures.

Climate Change Impacts: What to expect in the future

Scientists are able to project anticipated future climate conditions using the same kind of

computer models as they used to determine the source of the warming. Different amounts of

GHGs released into the atmosphere will have different impacts on warming temperatures. In order

to show a range of possible outcomes, climate scientists now use Representative Concentration

Pathways (RCPs), which are scenarios of different levels of GHG emissions. These scenarios are

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then used to estimate

future global average temperatures. In Figure 6 below, the green and red lines represent the average

of 15 climate models projecting the temperature and precipitation into the future for the Walker

River Paiute Tribe. The green lines represent the average or moderate changes while the red line

projects the extreme changes. There will be variability from year to year, but the overall average

temperatures could increase 2 °F to 11°F by 2100.

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Figure 6: Projections of temperatures and precipitation for the Walker River Paiute Tribe for the period 1950 to 2100.

(Native Waters on Arid Lands Conference Document 2016).

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Just as precipitation in the past has always varied from year-to-year, the climate model projections

indicate that precipitation will continue to vary year to year. The average rain and snowfall totals,

however are likely to stay about the same – around 11 inches per year. Although the overall amount

of precipitation may remain relatively constant, higher temperatures will increase the rate of water

evaporation and evapotranspiration from plants. This could result in less water availability for

plants and groundwater recharge. Precipitation in the future could come in the form of fewer but

larger storms because warmer air can hold more water vapor than cooler air. There could be longer

stretches without storms, followed by larger storm events – which could mean that flooding

becomes more of a concern, particularly in places that are already experiencing flooding during

large storms.

Walker Lake 2017

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Section 3 - Climate Adaptation Plan

Council Directive: To protect our cultural and natural resources as well as the health and

sustainability of our people in the face of climate change, the Tribal Council directs that the

following actions be evaluated and that recommendations for future actions be provided.

Additional items may be included during the next step of Climate Change planning as new

information becomes available.

CULTURE AND TRADITIONAL FOODS

Anticipated climate impacts and vulnerability

It is difficult to predict exactly how climate change may affect our cultural resources. We have

reason to be concerned, however, about the potential increases in wildfire and drought. Wildfire

can inhibit and may destroy culturally important sites. Drought dries out the land bringing dust

and increase in wind frequency and sandstorms which are already limiting access to important

cultural sites and burying artifacts. Ceremonial and ancestral use of areas may be limited due to a

lack of water during the summer months. The lack of water has impacts on the ceremonial and

medicinal plants. Willows are being contaminated by pesticides and the lack of water has greatly

diminished the population. Also, lack of water has caused movement of wildlife to areas closer to

water.

Traditional Foods

There are several potential climate impacts to

traditional food sources for the Walker River Paiute

Tribe. The cultural keystone species include Lahontan

cutthroat trout, buck berries (buffalo berries),

willows, cattails and pine nuts. These species are

central to Paiute culture due to their central place in

diet, culture, and community history. Cultural

keystone species are culturally salient species that

shape the cultural identity of a people and the

fundamental roles these species have in diet,

materials, medicine, and/or spiritual practices.

The Walker River which once ran full of water through the reservation from one end of the

reservation to the south of the reservation ending at Walker Lake was once abundant in Lahontan

cutthroat trout. Due to over-allocation of water rights upstream, Walker River is now depleted and

Walker Lake has declined to levels unable to sustain any fish. The Tribe has lost one of the main

cultural foods we depended on.

Traditional foods should be incorporated into the broader discussion of food security and climate

impacts on food systems. A full assessment of the climate impacts to the keystone species should

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be a major part of the Tribe’s Climate Action Plan. The assessment of potential climate impacts to

these culturally important foods would be greatly strengthened by incorporating traditional

knowledge from the Tribe’s community members. Future efforts to better understand the role of

traditional foods in the Tribe’s food system could be included in a survey of food security and food

systems on the Nation. One resource is the Native American Food Sovereignty Alliance

(nativefoodsystems.org), which works to build food sovereignty, community capacity, and global

awareness of the benefits of Native food systems.

With the loss of traditional food sources comes the loss of traditional knowledge tied to those food

sources.

Management and Implementation

1. Develop outreach and education materials that will inform the tribal community about

near-term and longer-term climate change threats and way that we can prepare and build

resilience to these changes.

2. Identify, Protect and Enhance wetlands, riparian areas, and other ecosystems in order

to conserve culturally important foods and medicines that could be adversely impacted by

climate change.

3. Conduct an Assessment of Traditional Food Sources

4. Develop a Traditional Knowledge library of traditional foods and plants

5. Consider a native plant nursery and seed bank to support long-term restoration efforts.

Identify important species such as willows, trees, grasses, and plants that are important to

ecosystem health as well as sources of cultural foods and medicines.

6. Examine the possibility of restoration of Lahontan cutthroat trout to the reservation

or work with another Tribe to provide access to fishing on their reservation.

7. Conduct a Vulnerability Assessment of Keystone Big Game Wildlife species on the

reservation. Deer, Antelope, Big Horn Sheep and Mountain Lions are the species present.

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HEALTH AND PUBLIC SAFETY

Anticipated climate impacts and vulnerability

The well-being, health and safety of the people of the Walker River Paiute Reservation will be at

greater risk due to climate change. Some of our tribal members may be more vulnerable than others;

the elders, the very young, the sick, the low income, and those who work outdoors. Increased risks

come from longer and more intense periods of heat, decreased air quality, decreased water quality,

insect-borne disease, allergens, and increased drought. Our preparations must include response

training for emerging and continuing threats. Emergency Management preparedness is important,

now is the time to prepare and act to address these new challenges.

Rising Temperatures

Based on the climate science available for Nevada, heat will be the main climatic change of concern

on the reservation. Annual average temperatures have been above the long-term average almost

every year since the early 1980s. Average annual temperatures are projected to continue to increase

through 2100. Increased heat will impact the landscape, wildlife habitat, and the health of

ecosystems. High heat will have a direct impact on human health because it places greater stress

on the body. Rising temperatures will bring an increase in the potential for heat-related illnesses

like heat rash, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Because we have air conditioning in many of our

homes and workplaces, we may be reasonably equipped to deal with some of these heat-related

illnesses. However, for people working or spending a lot of time outdoors, exposure is more of a

concern. Pollen-borne allergens could increase due to a longer pollination season. Heat waves,

which are prolonged periods of well above-average temperatures, can increase the number of cases

of heat-related mortality and morbidity.

Increased heat can result in larger and more frequent wildfires. Wildfires can elevate the air

pollutant PM 2.5 (particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns). High levels of PM 2.5 are

associated with mortality related to cardiovascular problems, particularly among the elderly, and

reduced lung function and growth, increased respiratory stress, and asthma in children. Wildfires

located to the west of the reservation often bring in smoke.

Increased temperatures will increase ground-level ozone pollution in many areas of the U.S.

Ground-level ozone is produced through chemical reactions when nitrogen oxides and

hydrocarbons from automobile exhaust, power plant and industrial emissions, gasoline vapors,

chemical solvents, and some natural sources react in heat and sunlight. Exposure to ground-level

ozone is linked to reduced lung function and respiratory problems such as pain associated with

deep breathing, coughing, and airway inflammation.

Monitoring

1. Establish an air monitoring/weather station on the reservation to monitor air quality,

especially smoke-related air quality issues, to track temperatures and predict heat waves.

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Work with EPA and tribal air and water quality programs to collect data on air and water

quality and temperatures to plan for weather trends.

Management and Implementation

1. Assess the capacity of tribal clinic and EMS to respond to emerging health threats and

to integrate climate preparedness into their hazard response plans and daily operations.

Talk to doctors and nurses about climate change can affect allergen abundance and disease

vectors and what they will need to be prepared.

2. Evaluate drinking water management plans in terms of long-term climate adaptation.

3. Evaluate the need to improve or retrofit tribal housing, especially for those must

vulnerable to temperature extremes.

4. Assess current emergency management preparedness plan and expand plan to include

training, equipment, exercises, evaluations, and corrective measures. Include fire

department in planning.

5. Develop local committees to help proactively implement climate change adaptation

measures for the most vulnerable.

6. Develop outreach and education materials that will inform the tribal community of the

real and potential dangers of climate change and help the community prepare for these

changes. For example, these materials could include information to help people know how

they can protect their homes and property in the face of increased wildfire threats. Develop

and implement a public awareness campaign that notifies people how to prepare for, and

respond to extreme heat and wildfire smoke events.

7. Establish cooling centers for use on extreme heat days by community members who don’t

have air conditioning at home.

8. Establish shade and cooling areas for outdoor play and recreation for children. For

example, have drinking fountains available and benches in shade.

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TRIBAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND ENERGY

The Walker River Paiute reservation spans approximately 325,000 acres. Much of our land is high

desert with the Walker River running through the reservation for approximately 21 miles.

Approximately 2,100 acres of tribal allotments are farmed, mainly growing alfalfa. Tribal enterprises

consist of a small convenience store and farming 40 acres of alfalfa. We need to continue to evaluate

how climate change impacts could affect our enterprises and community infrastructure.

Anticipated climate impacts and vulnerability

One of the most direct anticipated climate change impacts in our region is on water availability. From

an infrastructure perspective, water supply is important for fire management and road construction;

the reservation is mainly rural and spread over a mix of range, riparian and desert landscapes. We

need to have water available to enable fire response as well as dust prevention.

Changes in precipitation and streamflow could lead to increased flash flooding and erosion. Stress

from higher temperatures may reduce the lifespans of some infrastructure assets; thermal stress may

also degrade asphalt pavements more rapidly and slow asphalt curing time, increasing the time

needed to perform road repairs.

Demand for electricity is likely to go up in the summer as more intense heat leads to a need for more

cooling capacity; this could increase operations costs at tribal facilities and higher electricity costs

for tribal homeowners. As the demands for electricity increases off reservation, the Tribe is often

faced with power outages, brown-outs and power surges as we are located at the end of an energy

grid.

Management and Implementation

1. Assess community water and sewer system. Need a hydraulic analysis including a

hydraulic model of the water system to adequately plan for population growth, distribution

piping and facility upgrades to improve fire hydrant flows, water pressures and reliability in

the system. Complete Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) and Engineering Report(ER) as

required by USDA for funding water system expansion and improvements.

2. Identify and encourage water conservation measures. Water conservation measures

may include, but are not limited to, establishing policies to encourage or require native

and/or drought=tolerant landscaping, including replacing lawns.

3. Consider climate change impacts when planning new assets or rehabilitating existing

assets. For example, use green energy such as solar in new buildings. Use materials and/or

designs that perform well under higher temperatures.

4. Update operations and maintenance strategies. For example, conduct more frequent

cleaning of air conditioner filters, removal of dead trees, monitoring of roofs for wind damage.

Budget for extra costs of arsenic treatment plant if additional water has to be run through the

plant.

5. Develop redundant power, communication (internet & phone) and transportation

services to accommodate system disruptions due to power outages from more frequent and

severe storms. Alternate power systems are essential to the community water and sewer

system.

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6. Include climate change considerations when proposing or assessing the viability of

new ventures and current enterprises. Consider whether the proposed enterprise or

infrastructure asset can reasonably be anticipated to be viable and sustainable in the coming

decades as the climate changes, and plan for measures to increase its resilience.

7. Factor climate change considerations into planned operations and management

budgets for enterprises and assets that are expected to be vulnerable. Plan for alternate

power sources including emergency generators for tribal enterprises and tribal government

buildings.

8. Develop long-term power sources such as solar, wind and geothermal to serve the

reservation population. This would serve several purposes; 1) the Tribe would not be

dependent on an outside energy source and 2) Tribal community would have a stable standalone energy supply and 3) tribe may be able to sell excess energy as a revenue source.

9. Conduct Energy Audits on all Tribal buildings. Evaluate the costs of installing renewable

energy or alternative energy sources.

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AGRICULTURE AND IRRIGATION

The Walker River Paiute people, while living in a high desert environment still maintain a living

farming and ranching. Our lands have always provided sustenance to our people.

While the Walker River through the reservation is virtually dry, the Tribe has been able to sustain

agriculture on the reservation. Tribal members farm over 2,100 acres of land through an irrigation

system built and managed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Agricultural activities on the reservation

continue to be essential to the economy of the reservation.

Anticipated climate impacts and vulnerability

For these lands to continue to be productive and profitable, they must have a reliable and adequate

supply of water. Climate change is likely to shift the patterns of rain and snow in the mountains. All

of our irrigation water comes from the Sierra Nevada Mountains located to the west of the

reservation. Changes in snowpack accumulations and melt rates, timing of runoff, streamflow,

summer drought, winter flooding, changes in water temperature, and water quality are all important

issues that must be considered.

Irrigation water shortages are likely to worsen.

Regulatory policies will become even more important and may have pronounced effects.

Establishment and enforcement of a tribal water code, particularly in light of changes in water supply

will require careful planning and implementation. The drought of the last 5 years has shown the

problems exacerbated by the inefficient irrigation distribution system on the reservation. The

irrigation project infrastructure is antiquated and in great need of updating to be able to use the

limited amount of water in an efficient manner. Certainly, tribal members have dealt with drought

previously and have adapted. However, a prolonged exposure to reduced water supplies and higher

temperatures will necessitate changes in annual water management practices and water use

efficiencies. Water-thirsty crops may need to be exchanged for others that are more drought-tolerant.

If water shortages are pronounced enough, it is possible that croplands will come out of production

causing economic consequences throughout the reservation. Another variable is the extended

growing season caused by warmer temperatures. However, the Tribe may not have enough water to

apply to crops for the extended season.

Management and Implementation

1. Work with BIA and other partners to evaluate the long-term adequacy of the Walker

River Indian Irrigation Project (WRIIP). Assess irrigation canals and ditches and explore

opportunities for increasing irrigation efficiency.

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2. Assess Weber Reservoir storage capacity and possible dredging. Identify problems that

might occur with respect to contaminated sediments deposited behind the dam

3. Consider developing a plan to obtain funding to address inadequacies of the WRIIP.

4. Develop Water Code to address water management practices for the WRIIP. Include

surface water, groundwater and storage.

5. Consider evaluating the costs and benefits associated with implementing technological

improvements that would automate the WRIIP to improve delivery timing, water

conveyance, and use efficiency.

6. Consider collecting baseline data on aquifer recharge on the reservation. Collecting

baseline data on aquifer recharge rates is important because there is some indication that

recharge rates could decline due to climate change. The projected increase in temperatures

for the region mean higher evaporation rates, which will result in lower recharge rates.

7. Develop a plan to use the network of real-time water and weather stations, which are

fundamental for drought and flood warning and forecasting, water supply forecasting and

monitoring, evapotranspiration and water planning.

8. Develop a Drought Management Plan for the reservation.

9. Study the potential for increases in pests, diseases, or invasive species that could affect

crops, livestock and wildlife.

10. Engage farmers in research and outreach efforts and develop educational programs

and materials that can be distributed to members of the tribal and agricultural communities

to provide information about potential climate change vulnerabilities or opportunities.

These materials should include water conservation practices and sources of funding from

various agencies such as USDA.

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RANGELANDS

Anticipated climate impacts and vulnerability

Tribal members graze cattle on over 100,000 acres of high desert rangeland. We have a limited

understanding of how climate change may affect the rangelands but we have seen the impacts of a

long-term drought on the land. However in the past two years, we have seen an increase in rain as

weather patterns change. In general, we can expect that there will be a change in species composition,

distribution, and abundance; changes in habitat suitability and invasive species; and an increase in

frequency of disturbance (such as fire). It is possible that climate change impacts on our rangelands

will be minimal. Many of the vegetative species may already be well-adapted for the warmer

conditions, however it is unknown whether we will face more drought or more rain. Future

conditions are unknown and there is much to learn and prepare for.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs administers grazing permits; currently the only grazing on the

reservation is by the Walker River Livestock Cattlemen’s Association.

Management and Implementation

1. Work with BIA on Grazing Plan for reservation. Complete an inventory of grazing areas

on the reservation.

2. Consider implementation of known rangeland best management practices such as

preventing livestock from unplanned entry into riparian, wetland, and natural spring sites;

providing designated water sources in suitable areas; and increase protection measures and

enhancements that will increase climate resiliency (such as solar wells).

3. Prioritize and develop livestock water sources away from riparian, wetland, and other

vulnerable and important areas.

4. Update and implement an Integrated Weed Management plan to account for potential

changes or increases in invasive species due to climate change impacts.

5. Identify appropriate public outreach approaches and related materials to inform

stakeholders of the rationale behind improved rangeland practices that account for future

climate change.

6. Develop appropriate materials to inform the tribal community and tribal leadership of

the vulnerabilities of tribal rangeland and natural resources, climate change risks, and

potential consequences of management decisions.

7. Update Range Inventory. Consider studying how vegetation and wildlife patterns in our

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region are changing. Use findings to adjust rangeland management practices.

8. Continue to work to address the issues associated with uncontrolled wild horse

populations on reservation lands, as these are an additional stressor that interacts with

climate change pressures on vegetation and habitat.

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WALKER RIVER AND WETLANDS

Water is the very fabric of life for the Walker River Paiute Tribe. Water is central to our culture and

our health, our community and our very lives. The snow in the mountains feeds our river and

wetlands, which sustain our fish, wildlife, foods and medicines. Water is all things to all that are

living and its importance cannot be overstated.

In January 2015, Otis Bay Consultants under contract with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and in

collaboration with the Tribe completed a report titled: Walker River Paiute Tribe River

Restoration Planning Report.

The report presents riparian enhancement designs and

recommendations to improve ecological function on a segment of the Walker River Paiute

Reservation. This segment is located along the lower Walker River and extends from the upper

reservation boundary downstream to approximately three miles below Weber Dam.

The greater Walker River Basin is currently the focus of much research, restoration, and coordinated

adaptive management efforts concerning the treat of ecosystem collapse in Walker Lake.

The Walker River is the key to species survival in Walker Lake. The river, not the lake is the

stable ecosystem that many taxa require in a highly variable environment such as Walker Lake

and the river should be the focus of restoration efforts. As river health is restored, lake health

will follow. The river is the lifeline Walker Lake taxa need to survive unfavorable lake conditions

and it has served as such for many tens of thousands of years.-Otis Bay Consultants

Anticipated climate impacts and vulnerability

Over the next 10 to 20 years and beyond, we could see many important changes to our water

resources as a result of climate change. Increasing temperatures, reduced snowpack, and earlier

snowmelt will elevate peak stream flows in the winter months while leaving the Walker River

shallow and warm in the summer months. The river and associated wetlands may be dry when water

is needed the most. Low flows put stress on fish, wildlife and plants along the river corridor and can

increase the concentrations of contaminates from agrochemicals, wastewater, pollutants and other

runoff in the river. Stream flows are dependent upon winter snowpack. As temperatures warm and

mountain systems become rain-dominated, late summer flows decrease to the point of no flows.

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Lahontan cutthroat trout (agai) is perhaps the most important of our Traditional foods. When we

think about the trout in our cultural context, it is the one food that would the most important to

restore on our reservation.

Wetland plants and animals are particularly sensitive to small, permanent changes in conditions

because they are located in a transition zone between aquatic and terrestrial environments. As the

climate changes, higher temperatures can lead to drying that reduces wetland size.

On the rangelands, precious water remaining in the river and wetlands will be a magnet to

unmanaged livestock, causing increasing use of fragile aquatic and riparian ecosystems through

overgrazing and trampling of the stream banks and wetlands.

Meanwhile, higher winter flows could produce more flooding and increase erosion and

sedimentation.

Still, we must remember that climate change impacts are not the only pressures on our natural

resources. Since the inception of our reservation, there have been many changes. Land management

practices, irrigation facilities and reservoirs, and over allocation of surface water rights have

completely altered natural streamflow patterns and amounts well beyond what might be expected

from climate change. For example:

•

•

•

Large reservoirs have long been developed in the headwaters of the Walker River,

significantly changing natural flow patterns and severely damaging our natural resources.

The over allocation of surface water rights for irrigation has greatly decreased the natural

flow of the Walker River.

The over allocation of groundwater rights and drilling upstream of the reservations has

resulted in depletion of groundwater aquifers to the point that any water flowing in the river

is first used to recharge aquifers. River flows are decreasing due to recharging the

groundwater upstream.

Management and Implementation

1. Continue to inventory, identify, and prioritize stream reaches, floodplains, riparian

areas, and wetlands for protection and for restoration in collaboration with water and

wildlife experts. Take into account areas that are expected to be particularly resilient or

particularly vulnerable in the context of a changing climate.

2. Aggressively seek funding to implement the restoration actions that focus on holistic

measures to protect and restore habitats and the riverine ecosystem. Use the plan

developed by Otis Bay, Inc.

3. In restoration projects, emphasize the use of plant species that will be robust, in the

face of climate change.

4. Assess the possibility of trout recovery and restoration. Assess the possibility of small

scale fishery/hatchery on the reservation. Collaborate with other agencies on the feasibility

of such.

5. Continue to develop management actions to control the abundance of excessive

predators and invasive plants, non-native fish, or other aquatic organisms or aquatic

plant species that thrive in warmer waters.

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6. Purchase land from willing landowners along the river corridor to convert to natural

riparian habitat, etc.

7. Update Integrated Weed Management Plan to include a long-term strategy to deal with

extensive salt cedar (tamarisk) infestation along the river corridor.

8. Assess the impacts of groundwater use upstream of the reservation on Tribal Water

Rights.

Section 4: Planning Summary

Climate Change Impacts, Risks, and Actions

On the following pages we present a set of tables that summarize the basic information contained in

this report. We identify:

•

•

•

•

•

•

The climate drivers (what is changing in the climate system).

The potential impacts of those changes in the Tribe and the surrounding region.

Any additional stressors that may add to the impact.

The consequences of those impacts, such as who is likely to be affected and in what way.

The probability of the impact occurring (how likely or unlikely it is that the Tribe will

experience this impact).

A set of short-, medium-, and long-term strategies that may help the Tribe adapt to or mitigate

the effects of the impact.

At this stage in the planning process, these strategies are simply suggestions or examples of strategies

used by other communities who are facing similar impacts. In the next phase of the climate change

adaptation planning process, we will conduct workshops and discussions with representatives from

the Tribe’s management departments, elected officials, tribal members and community to identify a

more detailed set of adaptation strategies that are best suited to the Tribe, achieve the goals of the

people, and will have the largest positive impact on the reservation and its people.

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Potential Actions Table

Water Resources

Climate Driver

Changes to

precipitation

patterns

Potential

Climate Impacts

Other Stressors

Reduced recharge Off-reservation pumping,

of aquifers if

impacts on groundwater

winter rains and

snow are not as

plentiful

Arsenic present in aquifers

Consequences of

Impact

Probability of

Impact

Less sustainable

Uncertain –

groundwater supplies recharge study is

needed.

27

POTENTIAL Adaptation Actions

Short Term1

Medium Term2

Monitor offreservation wells

within the Walker

River corridor for

increased pumping

Secure funding for

arsenic treatment

plant upgrades,

maintenance and

solar

Install weather

monitoring system

on reservation

Develop an

environmental trust

fund to cover costs

associated with

climate impacts

Long Term2

Continue to

monitor

groundwater

usage

Continue arsenic

treatment of

domestic water

(partner: IHS)

Climate Driver

Changes to

precipitation

patterns

Long-term

drought

reducing Walker

River flow

Potential

Climate Impacts

Other Stressors

Increased

flooding impacts

current water

control measures

(dikes, berms,

and dams)

Less surface

water available

for irrigation,

shorter irrigation

season

Consequences of

Impact

Probability of

Impact

Water control

measures fail,

potential flood risk to

communities in

floodplains

Upstream pumping

depleting underground

aquifers

Reduced availability

of water in the region

generally.

28

POTENTIAL Adaptation Actions

Short Term1

Medium Term2

Continue floodplain

mapping

Purchase additional

heavy equipment for

emergency response

to flooding

Investigate

possibility of flood

plain insurance for

homeowners

Uncertaindepending on

drought/flood

water supplies

Explore options for

regional water

conservation.

Conduct pre-disaster

mitigation planning

and surveys, partner

with FEMA and

USACE

Cost-benefit analysis

of alfalfa and other

crops

Drill irrigation wells

to deliver

groundwater to

farming operations

Long Term2

Identify crops

that have highvalue and lowwater use

Develop a

marketing

strategy for highvalue crops

Climate Driver

Potential

Climate Impacts

Drought (higher

heat plus

precipitation

changes)

Less surface

water available

for livestock and

wildlife

Other Stressors

Use of streams and

wetlands (including repairs

to streambanks and

livestock ponds) requires

USACE permits (404 and

401), a time-consuming

process

Consequences of

Impact

Greater stress on

livestock

Probability of

Impact

Uncertain

Ranchers may have to

sell livestock

29

POTENTIAL Adaptation Actions

Short Term1

Medium Term2

Install and/or

update wells to

deliver water to

livestock on

rangelands

Ranchers apply to

NRCS Emergency

Programs

Long Term2

Human Health - Heat

Climate Driver

Potential

Climate

Impacts

Higher annual

average

temperatures

Heat-related

human

mortality

Changes in

temperature and

seasonal

weather patterns

Increased

exposure to

vector-borne

diseases.

Other Stressors

Cost of household

cooling

Evaporative coolers

causing mold and water

damage

Maintenance

requirements for

evaporative cooling

systems

Consequences of

Impact

Vulnerable

populations (elderly,

sick, very young) are

at increased risk of

heat-related illnesses.

Human and animal

health at greater risk

from disease.

Probability

of Impact

High

POTENTIAL Adaptation Actions

Short Term1

Medium Term2

Continue to

replace older

evaporative

coolers with A/C

units

Consider placing indoor

monitoring thermometers in

key locations to provide

additional information about

heat-stress thresholds

Continue to open

cooling centers

during extreme

heat events

Medium

Monitor elders

during heat waves

Put in place

mosquito control

measures

throughout the

community.

Educate

community on

vector-borne

diseases (partner:

Indian health

30

Long Term2

Adopt building codes

that prioritize energy

efficiency to reduce

cooling costs and

maintain a healthier

indoor environment

(partners: HUD

Climate Driver

Potential

Climate

Impacts

Other Stressors

Consequences of

Impact

Probability

of Impact

POTENTIAL Adaptation Actions

Short Term1

Medium Term2

Long Term2

Service)

More frequent

extreme

temperatures

Drought and

extreme heat

Heat-related

human

mortality

Larger,

fastermoving fires;

earlier start

to fire season

A/C can reduce risk, but

may not be available to

everyone; evaporative

coolers may decline in

effectiveness as heat and

humidity increase

Vulnerable

populations (elderly,

sick, very young) are

at increased risk of

heat-related illnesses,

Vulnerable

populations may be at

risk due to reduced

air quality

High

Continue to

replace older

evaporative

coolers with A/C

units

Continue to open

cooling centers

during extreme

heat events

Uncertain

Buildings and people

at the wildland

interface may be at

risk

31

Monitor elders

during heat waves

Educate

homeowners

about clearing a

defensible space

around home

Participate in Firewise

community activities

(www.firewise.org) and

other wildfire prevention

programs.

Develop Drought

Management Plan for the

reservation

Conduct ecological

restoration, such as

removing invasive

grasses, particularly

taking advantages of

cold snaps that weaken

cold-intolerant grasses.

Human Health – Food Security

Climate Driver

Climatic changes

nationally and

internationally (heat,

precipitation)

Rising temperatures

Changes in precipitation

patterns

Potential Climate Impacts

Changes in agricultural

regions could result in

periodic price shocks

Climatological thresholds

for some cultural keystone

food sources could be

exceeded.

Other

Stressors

Existing food

security

concerns

Consequences

Probability

Of Impact

Increased periods of food

insecurity

POTENTIAL Adaptation Actions

Short term1

Uncertain

Increased reliance on lowerquality, but accessible, food

could lead to more health

concerns

Loss of traditional food

sources

Loss of traditional knowledge

tied to food sources

32

Uncertain

Continue

assessment of

climate impacts

on cultural

keystone

species.

Medium term2

Long term2

Assess and

monitor key

elements of

current

reservation food

system; include

use of traditional

foods in

assessment

Build partnerships

with programs

outside of

reservation that

might support

local food security

efforts.

Investigate food

storage systems

for reservation to

support

community

members in case

of short-term food

access emergency.

Emergency Management

Climate Driver

Changes in

precipitation patterns

that lead to larger

storms

Potential Climate

Impacts

Flooding magnitude

increases with bigger

storms

Other Stressors

Consequences

Loss of housing and

other structures

Loss of

infrastructure

Threat to human

health and safety

Greater costs for

emergency

management

33

Probability

of Impact

Medium

POTENTIAL Adaptation Actions

Short term1

Continue to invest in

updated floodplain

mapping

Assess current homes for

ability to withstand more

frequent and severe

storms.

Medium term2

Long term2

Explore funding

sources for

additional heavy

equipment (and

operators) so Tribe

is able to respond

quickly and

efficiently to floods.

Consider

participation

in the

National

Flood

Insurance

Program.

Consider changes to

development

standards to

mitigate against

larger and/or more

frequent floods.

Climate Driver

Rising temperatures

Changes in

precipitation patterns

Potential Climate

Impacts

Other Stressors

Fires spread more

quickly with hotter

weather and less

frequent storms

Invasive grasses act as a

conduit for fire in nonfire-adapted ecological

communities

Earlier start to fire

season because of

heat and drought

Consequences

Potential loss of life

and infrastructure

Air quality issues

Firefighting costs

increase

Fires spread more

easily in invasive

grasses

34

Probability

of Impact

High

POTENTIAL Adaptation Actions

Short term1

Medium term2

Long term2

Continue Fuels

Management efforts

Explore

opportunities to

hire additional/

seasonal

firefighters

Conduct

ecological

restoration,

such as

removing

invasive

grasses,

particularly

taking

advantages

of cold snaps

that weaken

coldintolerant

grasses

Continue training for local

fire and EMS.

Work with BIA on Fire

Management plan.

Research funding to

purchase equipment and

vehicles for local fire

department and EMS

Participate in

Firewise

community

activities

(www.firewise.org)

and other wildfire

prevention

programs.

Appendix: Key Terms

Adaptation: Actions in response to actual or expected climate change and its effects, that lessen

harm or exploit beneficial opportunities. It included reducing the vulnerability of people, places, and

ecosystems to the impacts of climate change.

Climate: The average pattern for weather over a period of months, years, decades, or longer in a

specific place. Climate is defined not only be average temperature and precipitation but also by the

type, frequency, duration, and intensity of weather events such as heat waves, cold spells, storms,

floods and droughts.

Climate Change: Any significant change in measures of climate (such as temperature, precipitation,

or wind) lasing for an extended period of time (decades or longer). Climate change my result from

natural factors and processes from human activities that change the atmosphere’s composition and

land surface.

Climate-resilient community: A community that takes proactive steps to prepare for (i.e., reduce

the vulnerabilities and risks associated with) climate change impacts.

Exposure: The nature and degree to which a system is exposed to significant climate variations.

Greenhouse Gas (GHG): Any gas that absorbs infrared radiation in the atmosphere; examples

include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, ozone, and water vapor.

Measure of Resilience: A quantitative or qualitative judgment that you make and track over time

to determine how well your actions meet the preparedness goals you have set.

Peak Streamflow: The maximum instantaneous discharge of a stream or river at a given location.

Planning Areas: The areas in which a government or community manages, plans, or makes policy

affecting the services and activities associated with built, natural, and human systems. Planning

areas can be as broad or as specific as necessary.

Preparedness Action: The activity or activities that you government or community undertakes to

achieve its preparedness goals.

Preparedness Goal: What you want to accomplish in your priority planning areas through

preparedness action.

Priority Planning Areas: The planning areas which your community or government determines to

be most important for focusing your preparedness efforts, based on your community’s vulnerabilities

to climate change and associated risks.

Projection: A potential future evolution of a quantity or set of quantities, often computed with the

aid of a model. Projections are different from predictions in that projections involve assumptions

35

concerning, for example, future socioeconomic and technological developments that may or may not

be realized.

Resilience: The ability of a system and its component parts to anticipates, absorb, accommodate, or

recover from the effects of a hazardous event in a timely and efficient manner, including through

ensuring the preservation, restoration, or improvement of its essential basic structures and

functions.

Sensitivity: The degree to which a built, natural, or human system is directly or indirectly affected

by changes in climate conditions (e.g., temperature and precipitation) or specific climate change

impacts (e.g., sea level rise, increased water temperature). If systems in a planning area are likely to

be affected as a result of projected climate change, then that system should be considered sensitive

to climate change.

Systems: The built, natural, and human networks that provide important services or activities

within a community or region. Built systems are networks of facilities, building, and transportation

infrastructure like roads and bridges. Natural systems are ecological networks of fish, wildlife, and

natural resources like water. Human systems are networks of public health clinics, courts, and

government.

Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK): The evolving knowledge acquired by indigenous and

local peoples over hundreds or thousands of year through direct contact with the environment. This

knowledge is specific to a location and includes the relationships between plants, animals, natural

phenomena, landscapes, and timing of events that are used for lifeways, including but not limited to

hunting, gathering, fishing, trapping, agriculture, and forestry.

Vulnerability: The degree to which a system is susceptible to, or unable to cope with, adverse effects

of climate change, including climate variability and extremes. It is a function of the sensitivity of a

particular system to climate changes, its exposure to those changes, and its capacity to adapt to those

changes.

Weather: The atmospheric conditions at a specific place at a specific point in time. Familiar aspects

of weather include temperature, precipitation, clouds, and wind that people experience throughout

the day. Severe weather conditions include hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards, and droughts.

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